" He furthermore says they were to
be found until midnight in company with their lovers at Spring
Garden, which seemed to be "contrived to all the advantages of
gallantry." From which evidences it may be gathered, that London
under the Commonwealth was little less vicious than under the
merry monarch.
The court Charles speedily gathered round him on his restoration
was the most brilliant the nation had ever witnessed. Those of
birth and distinction who had sought refuge abroad during the
late troubles, now joyfully returned: whilst the juvenile
branches of noble families living in retirement in England, to
whom royalty had been a stranger, no less eagerly flocked to the
presence of the gay young king. The wit and politeness of the
men, the grace and beauty of the women, who surrounded Charles
II. have become proverbial; whilst the gallantries of the one,
and the frailties of the other, savour more of romance than
reality.
That the condition of the court on its establishment may be
realized, it is necessary, at this stage of its history, to
introduce briefly some of the chief personages who surrounded his
majesty, and occupied prominent attention in the annals of his
reign. Notably amongst them were the gallant Duke of Ormond and
his family. His grace, now in his fiftieth year, was
distinguished for his commanding appearance, gracious manner, and
excellent wit. During the troubles of the civil war, he had
proved himself a most loyal subject, inasmuch as he had vested
his fortune and ventured his person in service of the late king.
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